Port Arthur was a bold experiment and a ground-breaking attempt at convict reform. 

On this introductory tour, discover Port Arthur’s history through the stories of the convicts, soldiers, administrators, and families who shaped this remarkable place.

Designed to provide an accessible introduction to the site, the Essentials Tour at Port Arthur runs for approximately 45 minutes and follows a relatively flat route with only a few hundred metres of walking. Led by an expert guide, you’ll explore the history of this convict settlement, and learn more about Port Arthur’s place in Australia’s past.

The Port Arthur Historic Site

Set on the edge of Turrakana/Tasman Peninsula, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur Historic Site is known for award-winning cultural tourism experiences. Walk through towering ruins and quiet cells, discover the unbreakable stories of those who came before, and witness the epic scale of Australia’s convict history.

Your Port Arthur Entry + Essentials Tour includes:

  • 45-minute Essentials Tour
  • General admission to the Port Arthur Historic Site
  • A complimentary 20-minute Harbour Cruise
  • Free 10-15 minute short guide talks throughout the day
  • Access to historic buildings, ruins, restored houses and heritage gardens

Prepare for your tour

  • These tours operate in most weather conditions, so please be prepared for outdoor weather.
  • This is our most accessible guided tour, which crosses a distance of a few hundred metres including across grass and gardens. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
  • For guests with accessibility needs, please contact reservations@portarthur.org.au or 1800 659 101.
  • Children aged 17 years and under must be accompanied by an adult.

What people are saying

“What an amazing experience. We spent nearly 5 hours here, including an ‘essentials’ tour with a guide and a tour of the ‘Isle of the Dead’ with time also for exploring the whole site. A hugely important part of Australian/UK history. We had fabulous guides (Simon and Nat) who told us the history and stories of real people who were there. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit.”
– Kate, TripAdvisor

“Spend at least half a day here to fully soak in the historic significance and haunting atmosphere of the former convict settlement. Grounds are vast so you need to plan your itinerary carefully. Guided tours of 45 minutes start every hour or so and boat ride schedules are fixed so you need to work out when to do each. As we arrived at about 12 noon we had lunch first, then took the boat ride (20 minutes) from the jetty at 1.40pm….We left at 4.30pm, quite impressed by the well-organised programs and conservation of an important part of Tasmania ‘s history. “
– Bluesphynx, TripAdvisor

“….Our guide, Robbo, was absolutely brilliant – knowledgeable and thoughtful, and with a delightful, dry Australian sense of humour. His outline of the philosophy behind the way the original convicts were treated was particularly revealing. We wouldn’t have gained anywhere near the appreciation of the site we gained without the tour so don’t miss it.“
– Allan, TripAdvisor

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When

Tours depart daily at 9:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm, and 3:45pm.

Cost

Adult $10
Child $5
Family $30

The Essentials Tour is offered as an addition to Port Arthur Site Entry ($55 adult, $27.50, child & $44 concession).

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